11 reasons why your dog is panting & what it means

February 17, 2026 7 min read

‘Why is my dog panting so much?’ - a question asked by many pet owners! While dog panting is part of normal canine behaviour, there are several different reasons why they might do it. Excitement and heat are common triggers, but there are a few less obvious causes to be aware of.

Excessive panting can indicate an underlying health issue; therefore, we always recommend consulting your vet if you notice changes in your dog’s panting habits.

Let’s explore dog panting further…

Key Takeaways

Most dogs pant occasionally as their main cooling method
Dogs that pant excessively may have noisy, rapid, or shallow breathing that goes on for an extended period. They might also have frequent panting episodes at times you wouldn’t expect, like during rest.
If your dog is panting excessively, then a trip to the vet is advised to determine the underlying cause.
Treatment will depend on the reason why your dog is panting. For example, it may include a weight loss diet, medication to help with underlying heart or respiratory issues, or behavioural training to help with stress.

What counts as “excessive” panting?

Dogs that pants excessively may have rapid, shallow, or noisy breathing with their tongue hanging out. The episode may last longer than you would expect for a normal dog. Panting may also occur at unusual times, such as when your pet is resting. Excessive panting may sometimes occur alongside other symptoms such as weakness, vomiting, and pale gums, indicating a serious underlying issue.

11 common reasons dogs pant

Why do dogs pant? There are many reasons why a dog might pant, including -

1. Cooling down

Panting is something that all normal dogs do, usually when they are hot. Dogs are unable to sweat as we do, and most are covered with a thick fur coat, so they use panting to lose excess body heat. Panting draws air over the tongue, allowing heat and moisture to evaporate. Your dog’s mouth will be open with more rapid breathing than normal, but they shouldn’t look distressed. Panting should reduce if your dog is moved to a cool area with fresh drinking water. Read our top 10 tips to cooling down your dog.

2. Exercise and play

Humans breathe heavier when doing physical activity, and dogs do too! This helps get plenty of oxygen into their lungs to fuel muscle activity as well as keep them cool. The harder the exercise, the harder they will pant. Most will recover quickly once they stop exercising and will stop panting in 15 minutes or less.

3. Stress

When dogs are stressed, their heart rate and breathing increase, which may cause panting. Stress can be triggered by a variety of things, including car rides, fireworks, or a trip to the vet. Other accompanying signs may include increased vocalisation, tense body language, restlessness, drooling, or aggression. Behavioural training and medication can help affected dogs, so it is worth discussing this with your vet.

4. Illness

Heart and respiratory problems can cause dogs to pant excessively, even when resting. Examples include cardiac failure, laryngeal paralysis, and cancer. Other symptoms may be seen too, including coughing, pale gums, weight loss, lethargy, and difficulty exercising. Dogs with other illnesses, like fever, anaemia (a low red blood cell count), cognitive dysfunction, or certain hormonal conditions like Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism), may also pant more than usual. If your dog doesn’t seem like their usual self, make sure to get them checked over by a vet.

5. Excitement

Excited dogs will often pant. Common triggers include you coming through the door, walkies, a favourite toy, or meeting new dogs and people. Playful dogs have a happy, open-mouthed expression, along with relaxed body language. This will help to keep them cool, as well as display social cues.

6. Overheating

Panting is usually an effective method of cooling for dogs, but if the conditions are very hot or if your dog is unable to cope, then heatstroke can occur. This is an extremely dangerous situation, which could be fatal. You must cool your dog down by gently pouring cool water over them and putting them in the shade before contacting your vet. As well as excessive panting, affected dogs often have thick drool and bright red gums. They may also collapse and have seizures.

7. Pain

Dogs that are uncomfortable will usually have an elevated heart and breathing rate, which can lead to panting. Injury, recovery from surgery, or chronic pain conditions like arthritis are common triggers. Along with panting, affected dogs may struggle to get comfortable, whine or whimper, lick at sore areas of their body, and have a reduced appetite. You must seek help from a vet if you suspect your dog is in pain. Read our guide on how to know if your dog is in pain.

8. Medication

Some medications can cause more panting than normal. The most common drug responsible for this is steroids (prednisolone), which many dogs take for conditions such as skin allergies or immune-mediated diseases. If your dog is showing this side effect, or others like stomach upsets and changes in thirst or appetite, then speak to your vet for advice.

9. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

Brachycephalic breeds with flat faces, such as pugs, French bulldogs, and Shih Tzus, are more prone to excessive panting. Many of these animals have varying degrees of BOAS, a combination of small, narrow nostrils, an excess of soft tissue in the back of their throat, and other structural abnormalities. This affects their breathing, meaning they are more prone to bouts of panting, especially when warm or excited. Other symptoms include snoring, noisy breathing, and exercise intolerance. Your vet will be able to discuss options like surgery, which can help improve the quality of life of affected pets.

10. Obesity

Animals that are overweight may pant excessively, even at night. This is because they are more prone to overheating, plus their excess weight puts increased pressure on their airways and heart. They can struggle to pump enough oxygen around effectively, so panting helps. Obese dogs are also more likely to suffer from other health issues, which can shorten their lifespan. If you are unsure about how to tackle your pet’s weight issue, then speak with your vet.

11. Toxicity

Painting can be a sign of toxin ingestion. Depending on the toxin, your pet’s nervous system, heart, lungs, or red blood cells may be affected, causing panting. Common toxins include chocolate, certain human medications, rodenticides, and cleaning chemicals. If you suspect your dog has eaten something poisonous, you must contact your vet immediately. Don’t wait to see if your dog develops symptoms; prompt intervention is key

Why do dogs pant at night?

Panting at night is not typical dog behaviour, unless it is a particularly warm or humid evening. Your dog could pant at night because they are suffering from a health issue, obesity, BOAS, pain, or stress. Make sure your dog is cool and has access to fresh water at night and contact a vet for advice.

Why do dogs pant when resting?

If it’s warm or your dog has just finished exercising, then a bit of panting as they lie down to recover is normal. But randomly panting at rest could be a sign that there is an underlying issue. Stress, illness, pain, BOAS, and obesity could all cause this.

When should you speak to a vet about your dog’s panting?

Panting is part of normal dog behaviour, in the right circumstances. Look at what is going on while your dog is panting. If they are playing or exercising with relaxed body language and no other symptoms, then panting is to be expected.

However, if your dog seems unwell or they are panting more frequently and at odd times, this could indicate an underlying issue. Very heavy or prolonged episodes of panting can also be concerning, especially if your dog is struggling for breath.

It is always worth getting a professional opinion if you have any concerns about your pet. Prompt treatment leads to better outcomes, so contact your vet for advice.

The Takeaway

Excessive panting in dogs can indicate an underlying problem. It is therefore important to differentiate between normal dog panting and something more concerning. If your dog is having an episode of prolonged panting, if they are panting at unusual times (like at night), or if they are showing other symptoms of ill health, then you must contact a vet for advice.

If you found this piece on dog panting interesting, then you may also want to read our other articles - ‘Why does my dog lick its bum?’ or ‘Why does my dog lick my face?’.

Dr Rebecca MacMillan - BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS

Dr Rebecca MacMillan is a practising small animal vet who has worked in a variety of settings since her graduation in 2009., As well as treating a wealth of clinical cases over the years, she has experience in leadership and practice management. She has followed her interest in small animal medicine, gaining a postgraduate certificate in this subject which helps with both her patients and writing work.